Device for drawing up and clamping steel plates, etc.



F. A. LEMICH.

DEVICE FOR DRAWING UP'AND CLAMPING STEEL PLATES, ETC. 7 APPLICATlON FILED MAR. 31. 1920- 1,436,67 Patented Nov. 28,1922

2 sHEETs-sHEET 1.

A TTORNE Y.

2 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

, INVENTOR cam. QWL

ATTORNEY.

Patented Nov. 28, 1922.

-F. A. LEMICH.

DEVICE FOR DRAWING UP AND CLAMIPI'NG STEEL PLATES, ETC.

APPLICATION FILED MAR. 3, 1920.

Patented Nov. 23, 1922.

never ori ice.

FPJEDERICK A. LEMICI-f, OF GARLAND, CALIFORNIA.

DEVICE FOR DRAVJING UP AND CIJAIEPING STEEL PLATES, ETC.

Application filed March 3,

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, FREDERICK A. LEMIQI-I, a citizen of the United States, residing at Oakland, in the county of Alameda and State of California, have invented a new and useful Improvement in Devices for Drawing Up and Clamping Steel Plates, Etc. of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to a device for drawing up and clamping steel plates and the like, and especially to a device of the character described WlllCllWlll reduce the number of men usually required on work of this kind, and which above all will show an increase in efliciency, both in quality and quantity of work performed.

In ship yards and in many allied trades it happens that much of the material handled must be temporarily clamped or bolted into position before the actual or permanent work can be proceeded with, this being particularly true of ship or hull construction.

To more clearly illustrate the problem in hand we will consider the work required when applying the plates on a hull as it is first necessary to bolt the plates into posi-' tion before the actual riveting can be proceeded with. The temporary work of plac ing and bolting the plates in position is known as bolting up and always requires a considerable crew of men. Ordinary bolts and nuts are employed for this purpose. They are inserted by one man and the nut is then applied and tightened up by another man on the opposite side. Plates bolted into position often remain temporarily secured for days and weeks and as the whole hull is exposed to wind and weather, it can readily be seen that the temporary fastening means, to-wit, bolts and nuts are very liable to rust. It often happens that the rust forms to such an extent that hammers and chissels have to be employed when removing the nuts, thus damaging them to such an extent that re-useof the bolts and nuts is out of the question. Tons of bolts and nuts are destroyed annually inmost shipyards and is the source of considerable waste and expense both as regards labor and material, that is, considerable time is wasted both in applying and removing the temporary fastening means, and as the fastening means or the bolts are to a certain extentdestroyed, it should also be obvious 1920. Serial No. 362,902.

that an unnecessary waste of material takes place.

T he object of the invention is to provide a simple. substantial and easily operated device whereby the plates can be quickly and rigidly drawn up into snug engagement when the clamping bolts are applied.

Further objects will hereinafter appear.

The invention also consists of the parts and the construction, combination and arrangement of parts as hereinafter more fully described and claimed, having reference to the accompanying drawings, in which- Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the drawing up device.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the drawing up bolt employed in conjunction with the device shown in Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a locking plate.

Fig. 4 is a side elevation of the drawing up device and bolt showing the same in operating position.

5 is a front view of the same.

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a clamping bolt.

Fig. Fig. 6.

Referring to the drawings in detail, A indicates in general a frame consisting of a foot plate 9. and a pair of interspaced side plates 3. Suitably secured to the side plates or formed integral therewith are a pair of rack bars 4, and formed in the side plates 3 are slots 5, through which extends a shaft 6. Secured on the shaft is a pair of spur pinions 7, which intermesh with the rack barsd, and also secured on the shaft is a pair of ratchet gears 8 which are adapted to be engaged by spring actuated pawls 9, carried by a lever 10. This lever is forkshaped as shown and is supported by the shaft 6. It is freely turnable thereon and it will only transmit a rotary movement to the shaft 6 when swung in the direction of arrow at as the spring actuated pawls engage the ratchet gears 8 when the lever is swung in this direction and merely slide over the teeth when the lever is swung in the opposite direction. The spur gears 7 are held in constant mesh with their re- '7 is a plan section on line 77,

.spective rack bars 4, due to the fact that the shaft 6 extends through the slots 5, that is collars 11 are formed on the shaft which engage the upper and lower sides of the slots, thereby positively holding the spur pinions in mesh with the respective rack bars.

The device illustrated in Fig. 1 is employed for the purpose of drawing up steel plates when these are to be temporarily bolted into position, for instance when constructing hulls, tanks or the like, and it is preferably employed in conjunction with a drawing up bolt such as shown in Fig. 2. This bolt is provided with a hook-shaped head member 12 and its opposite end is provided with a pair of opposed V-shaped notches 13, so positioned that shoulders 14 are formed. The plates employed, for instance in hull construction, are cut, shaped and drilled before placed in position and as it is necessary to temporarily bolt the same in place before the actual work of riveting the plates into permanent position can be proceeded with, it is obvious that the plates must be drawn snugly into engagement when the bolting up work is taking place. This is accomplished as follows:

lVith a plate swung into position and when the punched or drilled rivet holes are aligned, a bolt such as shown in Figs. 2 and 4:, is inserted. A locking plate such as shown in Fig. 3 is then slipped over the end of the bolt and dropped down into engagement with the shoulders 14. This forms a head member on the bolt which prevents it from being pulled through when the drawing up device shown in Fig. 1 is applied. The looking member 15, shown in Fig. 3, consists of a plate in which is formed a slot 16 and a circular opening 17. The diameter of the opening 17 is approximately that of the drawing up bolt and it is therefore slipped over the tapering end 18 of the bolt to a point where the slot section registers with the notch 13 and the shoulders 14;. It may here be dropped down over the bolt and as engagement is made between the plate 15 and the shoulders 14:. it is obvious that a rigid head member is formed which prevents the bolt from being pulled through the plates.

The next operation when drawing up the plates is the application of the drawing up device shown in Fig. 1. The foot'plate 2-, is placed in a position whereit engages the plates to be drawn up, (see Figs. 4 and and where the shaft 6 will engage the hoolrshaped portion 12 of the bolt. The lever 10 is then swung downwardly in the direction of arrow (4, thereby causing the spring actuated pawls to engage the ratchets 8 and transmit a turning movement to the shaft 6 and the spur pinions 7. The pinions 7 will therefore travel outwardly as they en'gage'the respective rack bars 4 and a pull is thereby exerted on the draw up bolt and similarly endwise pressure on the foot plate 2. The plates 19 are thereby readily and quickly drawn up into snug engagement. They may be held in this position by a pair of locking pawls 20. These pawls are pivotally attached to the side plates 2 shown at 20 and drop by gravity to a position where they engage the spur pinion teeth 7. In other words the lever 10 may be released the moment the plates are drawn up and release is prevented due to the engagement of the pawls 20 with the teeth on the spur pinion gears.

The plates when pulled together are ready to be bolted up and this is accomplished in the present instance by inserting a bolt and wedge such as shown in Figs. 6 and 7. The bolt and wedge here shown forms the subject matter of a divisional application filed Dec. 29, 1920, Serial No. 433,849, entitled, Clamping bolt, but a brief description will here be given as this form of clamping bolt is. preferably employed in conjunction with the drawing up device forming the subject matter of the present case. The bolt indicated ..t 22 is provided with a head member 23 and its other end is provided with a pair of V- shaped notches and shoulders 24, similar to those shown in Fig. 2. A wedge plate 2 1 cooperates therewith. This plate is slotted as at 25 and is provided with a large opening 28, having a diameter equalling that of the bolt 22. The wedge tapers from end to end as shown in Fig. 6, being heaviest at the upper end as indicated at 27. The bolt 22 is passed through the rivet openings of the plates when these are tightly drawn together. The wedge is then applied by slipping it endwise over the pointed end of the bolt 22 and then dropping it down when the slot registers with the shoulders 14. The wedge is then driven tightly into position by striking it on the upper heavy end 2'? by means of a hammer or similar tool. In bolting up 1 preferably 7 place one clamping bolt on each side of the drawing up device, thereby rigidly securing the plates in position once they have been drawn together bv the device shown in Fig. 1. This may be released and removed the moment the clamping bolts are applied and. may be shif ed to another position where the same operation is repeated; the number of clamping bolts applied depending entirely upon the size and length of the plate. The removal of the. drawing up device shown in Fig. 1, after the clamping bolts are applied, is accomplished as follows:

Slight pressure is exerted on the lever 10., the pressure ap lied being just sufficient to release the strain on the latch members 20, These may therefore be lifted and a 7 reverse movement is thentransmitted to the I bolting them up.

bend in the plate may be readily taken care lever 10. This permits the pinions 7 to revolve in the opposite direction andthereby move the shaft 6 out of. engagement with the hooked end 12 of the drawing up bolt shown in Figs. 2 and 4. The '(lrawing up device is then lifted out ofengagement with the drawing'up bolt and this is removed by lifting the lorkingplate- 15 upwardly until its enlarged portion li' registers with the bolt proper, when it may be slipped endwise off the bolt. The bolt is then removed and may be inserted in any other desired position where it is desired to employ the drawing up device.

By referring to Figs. 1 and 2 it will be seen that the length of the drawing up bolt is considerably more than that ordinarily required, similarly that the travel or movement of the shaft 6, with relation to the frame supporting .the same, is considerable. This is of importance as it sometimes happens that the plates are somewhat bent or sprung when swung into position and it is therefore necessary to pull the plates into place when A considerable spring or of by the present device, due to the liberal movement provided. The insertion and fastening of the drawing up bolt, by means of the locking plate 15 takes comparatively little'time and similarly the application of the drawing up'device. The plates to be bolted into position are therefore quickly drawn into place and they are just as quickly bolted together as the only time required is the insertion of thebolt 22' and the application of the locking wedges employed in. con junction therewith. The time required when bolting up is thus materially reduced and similarly the number of men required, for instance when bolting up with ordinary bolts and nuts, it is necessary that one man hold the head end of the bolt with a wrench, while another man is tightening up the nut. Two men are therefore required when each bolt is applied and the time required is of course considerable when com pared with the application of the clamping bolt shown in Figs. 6 and 7. Similarly re moval of ordinary bolts and nuts, particularly if they have become more or less rusty, often requires the use of hammers and ehisels, and also often results in damage to the bolts and nuts to such an extent that re-use is impossible. This causes loss of time and ma terial and unnecessary expense as regards labor. The present clamping bolts are not effected by rust, nor is more time required for the removal than for the application of the same as each wedge is released by merely slightly tapping the same on the lower side with a hammer. Destruction of material is also avoided, time is saved, and the number of men required is materially reduced. While the special. form of clamping bolt here shown is preferably employed, I wish it understood that any other form of securing means may be employed in conjunction with the drawing up device shown in Fig. 1, similarly that changes in design and construction may be resorted to within the scope of the appended claims, and also that materials and finish of the several parts employed may be such as the experience and judgment of the manufacturer may dictate or varying conditions may demand.

Having thus described my invention, what 7 I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is i 1. In a device of the character described a frame, a pulling member longitudinally movable in the frame, a lever actuated me chanism adapted to impart movement'thereto, and a drawing up bolt having a hook-' shaped member on one end engageable with the pulling member.

2. In a device of the character described a frame, a pulling member longitudinally movable in the frame, a: lever actuated mechanism adapted to impart movement thereto, a drawing up bolt having a hookshaped member on oneend engageable with the pulling member, and means for automatically securing the pulling member against movement in one direction. i

3. A device of the character described comprising a frame, a crosswise of the frame and guided thereshaft extending by,a gear on each end of the shaft, a rack bar on each side of the frame with which the respective gears intermesh, means for imparting a rotary movement to the shaft and gears, and. means for automatically locking the shaft against rotation in one direction.

4. In a device of the character described a frame, a pulling member longitudinally movable in the frame, a manually operated mechanism adapted to impart movement thereto, a drawing up bolt and a quick detachable connection formed between the bolt and the pulling member.

5. In a device of the character described a frame, a pulling member longitudinally movable in the frame, a manually operated mechanism adapted to impart movement thereto, a drawing up bolt, a quick detaclr able connection. formed between the bolt, and the pulling member, and means for automatically locking the pulling member against movement in one direction.

6. A device of the character described comprising a frame, a shaft extending crosswise of the frame and guided thereby, a gear on each end of the shaft, a rack bar on each side of the frame with which the respective gears intermesh, means for imparting a rotary movement to the shaft and gears, means for automatically locking the shaft against rotation in one direction, a hook-shaped member engageable with the shaft, and a drawing up bolt connected with said hook-shaped member.

7. In a device of the character described a frame, a shaft extending crosswise of the frame and guided in the frame, a gear on each end of the shaft, a rack bar on each side of the frame with which the respective gears intermes'h, means for imparting a rotary movement to the shaft and gears, a drawing up bolt, a quick detachable connection formedbetween the bolt and the shaft, and means for locking the shaft and gears against rotation in one direction.

8. In a device of the character described a frame, a pair of rack members'disposed one on each side of the frame, a gear adapted to travel on each rack, a shaft supported by the gears and connecting the same, manually operated means for imparting a turning movement to the gears and shaft to cause the shaft to travel longitudinally with relation to the frame, means for securing the shaft against longitudinal movement in one direction, a drawing up bolt and a hook member on one of the bolts engageable with the shaft to permit the shaft to exert apull on the hook and bolt.

9. A device of the character described comprising a frame, a pair of slotted side plates on the frame, a shaft extending through the slots and guided thereby, a gear member on each end of the shaft, a pair of rack bars on the frame, one gear intermeshing with each rack, means for imparting turning movement to the shaft and gears and means for locking said shaft and gears against reverse movement.

10. A device of the character described,

comprising a frame, a pair of slotted side plates on the frame, a shaft extending impart a turning movement to the shaft and first named gears, and means for locking the shaft and gears against turning movement in one direction.

11. A device of the character described comprising a frame, a pair of slotted side plates on the frame, a shaft extending through the slots and guided thereby, a gear member on each end of the shaft, a pair of rack bars on the frame, one gear intermeshing with each rack, a ratchet gear on each end of the shaft, a lever turnablymounted on the shaft, pawls carried by the lever enga-geable with the ratchet gears to impart a turning movement to the shaft and first named gears, and means for locking the shaft and gears against turning movement in one direction, said means comprising a pawl engageable with each first named gear.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

FREDERICK A. LEMICH. Witnesses:

V HEALEY,

KATHEY M. LEMIQHQ. 

